NPA to seize property belonging to PRASA fraudster
Former engineering head Daniel Mtimkulu had his salary more than doubled after fraudulently claiming a doctorate and a job offer from a German firm
Cape Town
SIDSSA 2024: Unpacking South Africa’s Top 12 Infrastructure Priorities
South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala unpacked the country's 2024/2025 infrastructure priorities and project pipeline during a panel session at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 in Cape Town on Tuesday.
According to Minister Zikalala, the country's top 12 infrastructure priorities seek to stimulate job creation, promote economic competitiveness and contribute to broadening economic inclusivity.
“We announced the 12 priority projects today and it's important to give a background as to how we arrived at this priority list. We want projects that will contribute to higher GDP impact, but at the same time, ensure export and embrace the green economy,” he stated.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.
With support from Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) – a program within the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure – the projects also aim to accelerate private sector-led development. The projects are poised to serve as a catalyst for closing the infrastructure investment gap, while meeting the infrastructure target set out by the government's National Development Plan.
“It was very important for us to ask what we plan to contribute from an operational perspective to all the socioeconomic perspectives outlined by the Minister,” stated Mameetse Masemola, Head of ISA. “We will work very closely with the project sponsors in unpacking the work and once we are ready, we will invite transactional advisors.”
It was noted during the session that shortfalls in operation and maintenance have resulted in the underdevelopment of South Africa's infrastructure strategy. As such, the need to meet end-user's requirements, the mobilization of digital infrastructure and ensuring operational competency were noted as prerequisites to de-risk investment in the sector.
“The projects listed give the catalytic impetus to develop our industry,” stated Wayne Petersen, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at WSP Group. “We have to ensure that the private sector invests strongly in the projects that are implemented.”
Meanwhile, panelists touched on the importance of bankability and sustainability in attracting private sector investment towards infrastructure projects in the country.
“Infrastructure assets are not only about the assets themselves, but also about the economics that surround them,” said Catherine-Candice Koffman, Group Executive for Project Preparation at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. “Bankability is very much about ensuring we have a project that doesn't rely too much on the fiscus. A successful project is one where you use as little budgetary capital to fund the projects as possible.”
For South Africa's infrastructure projects to maintain operational efficiency after completion, it was noted that the country will need to invest in attracting international talent while promoting human capital development, with Partner at PwC Southern Africa Chris van der Merwe stating, “These projects need to strike a balance between economic and social projects.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SIDSSA 2024:
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Transport infrastructure foundation for economic development in Africa, says Mashatile
Transport infrastructure foundation for economic development in Africa, says Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described transport infrastructure as the cornerstone of economic expansion in Africa.
“We must make sure that we use the discussions and deliberations of the symposium to bring tangible collaboration on bi-national projects that will strengthen the continent and its economy,” he said on Monday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town.
He said he was confident that the gathering would establish more strategic collaborations with the other African leaders.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement remains an important platform for us as a continent to strengthen regional integration at both an economic and cultural level.”
The gathering is a platform that brings together critical role players in the infrastructure investment space to accelerate an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan.
The symposium also sets the tone for collaboration and cooperation within the continent.
Meanwhile, the country’s second-in-command said he was also looking forward to the launch of the construction book, which is a repository of projects going into procurement or construction in the 2024/25 financial year.
The Deputy President believes that this will serve as an important indicator to the market that the pipeline of projects is realisable.
“We also look forward to the announcement of the 12 infrastructure project priorities for the 2024/2025 financial year that will replenish the pipeline and receive project preparation funding from ISA [Infrastructure South Africa],” he said.
He also reflected on the success of the Infrastructure Investment Plan adopted by Cabinet in 2020.
The Deputy told delegates that the three central themes that anchor the plan have remained consistent throughout the sixth administration. These include quality infrastructure for development, recovery, and inclusive growth, which were all spearheaded by the government through policy development and implementation.
“When we say development, we mean both the development and delivery of infrastructure, and the development of our people through infrastructure delivery. When we say recovery, we mean the recovery of our economy through a large-scale infrastructure programme, led and championed by the government.”
Mashatile defined inclusive growth as the redressing of spatial imbalances between urban and rural areas through infrastructure delivery programmes, which ought to address gender, racial and other inequalities.
“The entire population should be included in the benefits associated with infrastructure investment and subsequent gross fixed capital formation," he said.
While challenges are restraining the fast pace of delivering quality infrastructure, the Deputy President called on the symposium to display some of the progress and successes that serve as a foundation for the incoming seventh administration.
“In the last five years, we have put specific focus on the strategic integrated projects that have the highest GDP [gross domestic product] impact, high employment absorption capacity, and localisation potential.”
He is of the view that these projects have the potential to crowd in private sector investments due to their multiplier effect.
“We are proud to say that of the pipeline that we gazetted both in 2020 and 2022, almost R10 billion worth of projects have completed construction, R233 billion worth of projects are currently in construction and R170 billion worth of projects are currently in procurement.”
Some of the completed projects include Vaal Gamagara Phase 1, the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, student accommodation across different universities, transport projects like the Musina Ring Road, national routes and the construction of social housing.
Of these, Mashatile said significant work was done within the energy portfolio of projects.
The energy project pipeline comprises more than 100 projects amounting to R240 billion. Some of these projects have a value of over R100 billion – spanning from transmission, gas, and renewables to green hydrogen.
The Deputy President said they have also noted the gap in the readiness and preparedness of projects for the market. However, he said in 2023, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) received its first tranche of funding to support projects with project preparation.
“This has proven itself a game changer as some projects show great potential but do not always have the fiscal allocation for technical support, legal support, or even capacity building.”
According to the Deputy President, the project preparation funding allows ISA to support projects that otherwise would stay dormant for many years.
“It is important to note that of the first R200 million tranche received, 37 projects will already be receiving project preparation support.”
Meanwhile, through coordination and support of various departments and government stakeholders, Mashatile noted that ISA has unblocked 195 permits for 47 projects. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:50
452 views
South African Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Prioritize Gas, Renewable Energy to Drive Efficiency
South African Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are turning to natural gas and renewable energy to secure energy supply while improving operational efficiency. During a panel discussion at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town on Tuesday, representatives from various SEZs across the country underscored the role gas and renewables have already begun to play.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.
With South Africa currently faced with an energy crisis, ensuring stability of supply has become a rising challenge for businesses across the country. SEZs are not exempt in this regard. According to Bheka Zulu, CEO, Tshwane Automotive SEZ, “This has led us to find innovative solutions…we are currently building a gas plant project – and solar. We still need to find more energy. Partnerships are key, because stakeholders can help us achieve this.”
Similarly, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) SEZ is also developing gas and renewable energy projects to enhance energy security while reducing reliance on the national electrical grid. Simthembile Mapu, Executive Manager: Business Development and Support at the RBIDZ SEZ, said “We have a gas to power plant and are also constructing a pipeline. We also have a wind farm.”
While renewables stand to support operational efficiency, baseload power provided by South Africa's state utility Eskom remains imperative.
“We are talking about an intervention in renewable energy. Renewable energy is less about the base load. We can never downplay the role Eskom plays to make sure the baseload is taken care of. The issue of the lack of power is a major [challenge]. We need to sort out the issue of power supply in our country to support SEZ,” stated Themba Koza, Acting CEO, COEGA.
Strategically designated areas for targeted economic activities, South Africa's SEZs are to accelerate industrialization in the country. Stieneke Jensma, COO: Industrial Zones Program, Industrial Development Corporation, explained that “Our mandate is to accelerate the development of SEZ. We started a program focusing on energy security, specifically regarding SEZ. The idea is to collaborate and to ensure that what we are delivering promotes industrialization.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SIDSSA 2024:
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Less talk, more action! South African creatives are designing for social impact
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African Ministers Discuss Infrastructure Cooperation at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) Leaders Meeting
South African and regional ministers convened to pinpoint key infrastructure priorities both within South Africa and across the continent during a Leaders Meeting at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) 2024 on March 18 in Cape Town.
The discussion, which was led by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, underscored the importance of project preparation, engagement from both the public and private sectors, maintenance and the implementation of sustainable facilitation methods as crucial elements in fostering investment and promoting regional harmonization within the infrastructure sector.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit www.SIDSSA.org.za..
“The purpose of this forum is to identify areas of priority on infrastructure and ensure that we integrate efforts to implement those projects,” Minister Zikalala stated.
The establishment of Infrastructure South Africa aims to serve as a point of entry for infrastructure planning in the country. The organization is a one-stop shop that catalyzes the country's infrastructure target set out in South Africa's National Development Plan, providing best practices in project preparation, planning and technical and financial support for projects.
“We have been established as a bespoke infrastructure development agency in the country,” stated Infrastructure South Africa Head Mameetse Masemola, adding, “We deal with matters around private sector-led infrastructure projects, which require authorizations, permits, licenses and normal bureaucracy around getting projects to be implemented. We unlock these restrictions.”
Meanwhile, it was noted that cross-border collaboration between countries in Africa is a requisite to creating the conditions conducive for the private sector to participate in the continent's infrastructure development. A number of MoUs between South Africa and its neighboring countries – including Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe – have served to promote regional integration in the infrastructure sector.
“Our main role for the continent is to ensure that we invest in critical infrastructure so that we put in the building blocks that ensure that our nations prosper and that we grow together,” stated South Africa's Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille.
A number of efforts introduced by South Africa's Department of Transport have worked to facilitate the ease of movement from the country's ports and air space. By liberalizing the continent's air space and maritime territories, Africa will be able to harmonize the implementation of favorable regulatory frameworks that promote integration.
“We have introduced a number of efforts in trying to bring about this harmonization between our countries,” stated South Africa's Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, adding, “For instance, in South Africa, we have introduced Cross Easy, which ensures that when a truck arrives at a port, it is already processed and reduces its travel time.”
The participation of the Premiers of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces showcased how South Africa can further integrate the country's infrastructure systems. It was noted during the discussion that South Africa's economy relies on the efficiencies of its ports, rail network and aviation network and that it is imperative for the rest of the continent to benefit from the modernization of the country's infrastructure industry.
“We share borders with countries such as Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, amongst others, and this puts us in a strategic position in terms of ensuring our infrastructure planning and the integration of our infrastructure maximizes the potential of the African continent in terms of moving goods,” stated KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
International ministers from Liberia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Seychelles and Equatorial Guinea also participated in the Leaders Meeting, making a case for investment in their respective countries' infrastructure space.
“We have come to share with you, to learn with you and to communicate with you. We find that rapid technological advancement is significant and cannot be overstated,” stated Liberia's Minister of Ports and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah, adding, “As we experience the competitiveness of the digital age, it is imperative that our digital infrastructure is able to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.”
“The heads of infrastructure departments must always gather to discuss and help other countries that haven't been developed yet,” concluded Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Public Works, Housing and Town Planning, Don Pascual Ondo Nze Oyana.
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
President Cyril Ramaphosa Calls to Drive Investment in Infrastructure at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for private-led investment in infrastructure development at the 2024 edition of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) on in Cape Town on Tuesday.
“It is estimated that to achieve our infrastructure goals, we need almost R4.8 trillion to address the challenges we face as a country. We need that from both the public sector and the private sector – from a much larger extent,” stated President Ramaphosa.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit www.SIDSSA.org.za.
The South African government has been working to streamline its infrastructure sector and attract investment in strategic projects. Regulatory reforms, according to President Ramaphosa, include “the amendment within our own realm of the Division of Revenue Act, to enable provincial government to use their provincial grants to crowd in the private sector to finance large-scale infrastructure, and to open up opportunities for the private sector to work alongside government to create revenue generating projects.”
These reforms, as well as SIDSSA, “enables us to close the infrastructure investment gap in our country,” stated President Ramaphosa. “This is a valuable platform to enable us to have an introspective look at the opportunities that we have.”
SIDSSA 2024 is hosted by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, who said, “We will use this platform to outline the progress of the country since the SIDSSA in 2020. As we convene, we must emerge with tangible actions to finance infrastructure as a critical corridor to Africa's development. Infrastructure should be a flywheel of our country's economic recovery.”
Platforms such as SIDSSA – in tandem with the establishment of Infrastructure South Africa in 2020 – have been pivotal for uniting the public and private sectors, driving investment in strategic projects. According to Zikalala, “we have been able to unlock more than 195 licenses, permits and approvals within 47 projects alone. South Africa established the Infrastructure Fund to unlock more private investment in the infrastructure pipeline using a variety of blended financing tools. So far, 13 mega blended finance projects or programs have been approved to date.”
This year's SIDSSA draws insight into the progress made to transform the economy through infrastructure development. According to Tertuis Simmers, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure in the Western Cape, “The Western Cape stands as Africa's premier digital hub, and Cape Town is swiftly solidifying its position as the cloud computing hub of South Africa. Our province has ambitious vision…Central to this strategy is our commitment to infrastructure development: the bedrock of our provinces' economic advancement.”
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals
Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals
President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is central to the achievement of the country’s development goals.
“Infrastructure is an enormous economic multiplier, providing dividends for an economy long after the infrastructure has been built,” President Ramaphosa said.
Addressing the 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa said the symposium is an important part of government’s effort to close the infrastructure spending gap in the country.
“It is estimated that to achieve our infrastructure goals, we need an additional R1.6 trillion in public sector infrastructure investment and a further R3.2 trillion from the private sector by 2030,” President Ramaphosa said.
A number of bold initiatives are being implemented to deliver infrastructure at the required scale and pace.
“We are working on reforms to develop sustainable infrastructure, lift business confidence and encourage investment.
“These reforms include the amendment of the Division of Revenue Act to enable provincial governments to use their infrastructure grants and budget allocations to crowd-in private sector finance for large social infrastructure programmes,” President Ramaphosa said.
READ | National Assembly approves Division of Revenue Amendment Bill
The President said amendments to the public-private partnership regulations, which have recently been published for public comment, are part of broader reforms to mobilise and pool public and private sector resources for infrastructure.
“The operationalisation of the Infrastructure Fund has seen a steady growth in the portfolio of blended finance projects that use relatively small fiscal allocations to de-risk public infrastructure projects and raise finance in debt capital markets.
“Through the work that has been done in transforming the infrastructure landscape, the total value of the country’s Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from R340 billion in July 2020 to R540 billion now.
“Eighteen projects, valued at around R10 billion, have been completed, covering human settlements, roads, water and sanitation,” President Ramaphosa said.
According to the President, the value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion.
“Projects worth nearly R170 billion are currently in procurement. In this calendar year, 11 such projects, with a total investment value of R45 billion, are expected to reach financial close.
“To date, Infrastructure South Africa has unblocked a total of R25 billion worth of projects in the renewable energy space using the Infrastructure Development Act to fast-track government authorisations,” the President said.
Hosted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the symposium, in its third iteration, is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, among them, innovative funding models for infrastructure development.
Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected to anchor various panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.
SIDSSA 2024 will showcase the following outcomes :
- Launch of the construction book: a repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.
- Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with 22 participating Ministers from the African continent.
- Top 12 Infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.
- Signing of MOU’s with important partners and stakeholders.
The Symposium will also provide the following updates:
- Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
- Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.
- Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:05
133 views
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Government activities for the week 18 to 22 March 2024
Government activities for the week 18 to 22 March 2024
From Monday, 18 March, to Tuesday, 19 March, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.
On Monday, 18 March, Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will be addressing the European Union funding and policy dialogue at Origins Centre (Wits University west campus) in Johannesburg.
From Monday, 18 March, to Wednesday, 20 March, is the national Conference on Human Rights in South Africa in Gauteng.
On Tuesday, 19 March, the National Library of South Africa commemorates Library Week at Pretoria Campus.
Wednesday, 20 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Second Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
On Thursday, 21 March, the Human Rights Day celebration at the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville, Gauteng. It will also be World Poetry Day.
Friday, 22 March, is World Water Day.
Janine
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 11:36
210 views
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Cape Town Infrastructure Report Launched at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) Masterclass
Principal Professional Officer for the City of Cape Town Caley Green announced the launch of the city's 2023 Infrastructure Report at a Masterclass during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) on March 17.
Evaluating the city's bulk infrastructure from the past year, the updated report builds on its predecessors by focusing on infrastructure across five sectors, including energy, solid waste, water and sanitation, human settlements and transport. According to Green, “The report provides an update on the bulk infrastructure pipeline of projects assessed in the first report. This new report addresses areas of greatest need and highest demand.”
The Masterclass was led by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala and a panel of experts who called on investors and role-players to support an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan in South Africa.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.
During the Masterclass, speakers provided insight into the challenges and opportunities within the country's infrastructure sector. With a focus on infrastructure investment planning, the session explored South Africa's strategy to build state capacity while delivering an aggressive development program and closing the infrastructure investment gap.
“We recognize the importance of this masterclass…” stated Minister Zikalala. “This crucial session marks the beginning of the SIDSSA, which in its third year continues to be a platform to bring together think-tanks like yourselves and critical role-players in the infrastructure investment space.”
The Western Cape government has put a jobs growth and development strategy in place, which is aimed at enabling a R1 trillion economy by 2035. The seven-point plan focuses on short- and medium-term growth based on the need to sustainably enable the economy, drive energy security, ensure access to water and boost resilient investment.
“We must move away from typical thinking around public works within the government space,” stated Director-General for the Western Cape Government Dr. Harry Malila. “We cannot just focus on repairing hospitals and schools; we need to take an economic approach and venture outside of our comfort zone.”
Showcasing South Africa's plan to develop its local content capacity and advance national development goals, local industrialization, skills development, job creation, youth employment and regional economic integration were highlighted as key areas to ensure the implementation of a resilient infrastructure strategy.
“We aim to implement the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan 2030 to increase the number of people that obtain critical or scarce skills needed, and to build the capacity of the construction sector to be economically sustainable and globally competitive,” stated CEO of the Construction Education and Training Authority, Malusi Shezi.
In response to the country's strategy to incentivize infrastructure investment, it was noted during the masterclass that South Africa needs to implement a deliberate effort to mitigate capacity constraints and inefficiency to ensure project completion. This was highlighted as a requisite to attain investor confidence and promote localization and private sector participation in the country's infrastructure sector.
“We have a structural issue in terms of the quantum of infrastructure investment in this country,” stated Development Economist and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko. “We have to shift production towards production sectors. The key priority for that is infrastructure. We have to align investment and enhance the localization of these investments.”
Negligence in infrastructure maintenance has resulted in a lack of confidence in the sector. As such, improved governance, administration and capacity building were highlighted as solutions to addressing infrastructure challenges in South Africa.
“Overall investment has been on a downward trend since 2010 and started picking up in 2022. Despite the overall decline, private sector capital investment continued to grow faster than public sector investment. Yet, much faster growth is needed to expand the economy and reduce unemployment and end poverty,” stated Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency CEO, Mapatane Kgomo.
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event. The Masterclass on Sustainable Infrastructure Development is held in collaboration with the National School of Government.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium
Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 between 17 and 19 March 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.
SIDSSA is a pioneering event aimed at bringing together key stakeholders, experts and decision-makers in the field of infrastructure development.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the symposium on Tuesday, 19 March, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver an address at the stakeholder dinner on Monday.
Various Ministers and Deputy Ministers will anchor panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.
“The symposium serves as a platform to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as pivot investment opportunities in infrastructure in South Africa. Additionally, the symposium is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, innovative funding models for infrastructure, and investing in infrastructure for a shared prosperity for all,’’ the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said.
This year, the symposium will feature the following milestones:
• Launch of the construction book: A repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.
• Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with other Ministers invited from the continent.
• Top 12 infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.
• Signing of MOUs with important partners and stakeholders.
The symposium will also provide the following updates:
• Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
• Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.
• Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 11:11
502 views